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Proteins predict heart attack in advance
Issue date: 12/4/08
A blood test based on these five key proteins would provide clear answers to the severity of the patient's condition. Current tests use the release of troponin immediately prior to a heart attack to gauge its severity. "However, troponin is only found in the heart, and by the time it is found in the blood, the heart muscle is already injured," Van Eyk said.
Since the five proteins are released further in advance of a heart attack, before the release of troponin, this gives physicians more time to take preventative measures. "The impact in the emergency ward would be quite astounding," Van Eyk said. Physicians could intervene and administer blood thinners, check for additional blockages to the heart's blood vessels, or even perform surgery.
This test could also reduce the risk of a recurring heart attack. "After a few hours, the patient is released to go back home, but a percentage of people end up having another heart attack within 24 hours," Van Eyk said. A pre-troponin test would subdivide patients into groups to identify those at high risk so they can be monitored more closely.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for one in every three deaths in the United States. Heart disease refers to a very broad range of conditions including stroke, arrhythmia and ischemia. Heart attacks account for one in every five deaths in America.
The Hopkins scientists hope to expand their research to identify proteins that are associated with stroke. These findings will allow physicians to quantitatively judge the patient's risk for heart disease-related incidents, and improve the prognosis of patients suffering from heart disease.
Since the five proteins are released further in advance of a heart attack, before the release of troponin, this gives physicians more time to take preventative measures. "The impact in the emergency ward would be quite astounding," Van Eyk said. Physicians could intervene and administer blood thinners, check for additional blockages to the heart's blood vessels, or even perform surgery.
This test could also reduce the risk of a recurring heart attack. "After a few hours, the patient is released to go back home, but a percentage of people end up having another heart attack within 24 hours," Van Eyk said. A pre-troponin test would subdivide patients into groups to identify those at high risk so they can be monitored more closely.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for one in every three deaths in the United States. Heart disease refers to a very broad range of conditions including stroke, arrhythmia and ischemia. Heart attacks account for one in every five deaths in America.
The Hopkins scientists hope to expand their research to identify proteins that are associated with stroke. These findings will allow physicians to quantitatively judge the patient's risk for heart disease-related incidents, and improve the prognosis of patients suffering from heart disease.
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posted 1/15/09 @ 12:22 PM EST
This research is very great in treams of stoping the loss of life in peoples afected by this disease ,
this is very true even the SGOT SGPT levels are also incresed along with those protiens. (Continued…)
Monica Ackers
posted 3/07/09 @ 12:07 AM EST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
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